Welcome to the serene world of ASMR, where gentle whispers, soft tapping, and soothing sounds captivate listeners for relaxation and comfort. If you’re looking to create your own slice of this auditory bliss with your iPhone, the right microphone is key. Upgrading from your built-in mic to a high-quality ASMR microphone can transform your recordings from mundane to mesmerizing. In this review, we’ve carefully selected the best ASMR microphones that promise compatibility with your iPhone, ensuring you capture every subtle sound with clarity. Get ready to find the perfect tool to elevate your ASMR artistry to an entirely new level of professionalism and tranquility.
When selecting the best ASMR microphone for iPhone, we’ll focus on key criteria that ensure you capture every nuance of sound to provide a tingle-inducing ASMR experience.
First is audio quality; the microphone should provide clear, crisp sound with high sensitivity to capture the subtlest whispers and sounds. Compatibility is another major factor; the microphone should easily connect to your iPhone, preferably through a Lightning port or a compatible adaptor.
Another consideration is the microphone’s pickup pattern. ASMR often uses binaural recording techniques that require microphones with a pattern that can mimic human ear spacing to create a 3D stereo sound. Additionally, portability is important for creators on the go, and a compact design can make a big difference.
Other factors include build quality – ensuring the microphone can stand up to regular use – and ease of use, with plug-and-play functionality being highly desirable.
Lastly, consider additional features such as adjustable gain, noise cancellation capabilities, and whether the microphone comes with a windscreen to reduce unwanted sounds.
With these criteria in mind, we’ll explore the best ASMR microphones for iPhone that offer the perfect combination of audio quality, compatibility, and user-friendly features for your content creation needs.
| Features | Shure MV88 | Zoom iQ7 | Rode SmartLav+ | Blue Yeti Nano | Sennheiser Memory Mic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Microphone | Condenser | Condenser | Lavalier Condenser | Condenser | Condenser |
| Connection to iPhone | Lightning Connector | Lightning Connector | TRRS Jack | USB (Requires Lightning to USB Adapter) | Bluetooth (Wireless) |
| Polar Patterns | Adjustable: Cardioid, Bidirectional, etc. | Mid-Side Stereo | Omnidirectional | Cardioid and Omnidirectional | Omnidirectional |
| Price Range | $$$ | $$ | $ | $$ | $$$ |
| Portability | Very Portable | Very Portable | Very Portable, wearable as a clip-on | Portable, but larger | Portable, clip-on |
| Audio Quality for ASMR | Excellent, adjustable settings | Good, offers unique stereo recording | Good for voice, less for ambient sounds | Excellent, versatile settings | Good, with wireless convenience |
| Recording Resolution | Up to 24-bit/48kHz | Up to 24-bit/48kHz | Up to 24-bit/48kHz | Up to 24-bit/48kHz | Up to 16-bit/48kHz |
| Power Source | Powered by iPhone | Powered by iPhone | Powered by iPhone | USB powered | Internal rechargeable battery |
| Special Features | ShurePlus MOTIV app for easy recording | Handy recorder app for editing | Discreet, easily hides in clothing | Multiple pattern and recording options | Wearable, syncs audio with video later |
| Intended Use | Versatile for various settings | Musicians, soundscapes | Interviews, podcasts | Podcasting, streaming, recording | Video recording with separate audio |
Price indications: $ (low price), $$ (moderate price), $$$ (high price)
Remember, the “best” microphone will depend on your specific needs, such as the type of ASMR you’re creating, the recording environment, and whether portability is a key concern for you.
Shure MV88 Portable iOS Microphone
Overview:
The Shure MV88 directly connects to any iOS device equipped with a Lightning port and offers superior audio quality, tailored especially for the ASMR community where every subtle sound matters. This microphone is not just portable but highly versatile, allowing you to capture your whispering, tapping, and other ASMR triggers with remarkable clarity.
Right out of the box, the MV88 impresses with its sturdy metal construction and swivel design, allowing for multiple recording angles. It comes with a free ShurePlus MOTIV app, which greatly enhances the user experience by providing a range of preset modes and manual recording adjustments to fine-tune your ASMR sessions.
Specs:
- Transducer Type: Condenser
- Polar Patterns: Adjustable – Includes Cardioid, Bi-Directional
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -37 dBFS/Pa at 1 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 120 dB
- Weight: 40.5 grams
- Connectivity: Lightning Connector
Pros:
- Exceptional audio quality with a focus on clarity and detail.
- Highly portable and easy to use with iOS devices.
- Adjustable polar patterns cater to various recording scenarios.
- MOTIV app provides significant control over recording parameters.
- Robust build quality, ensuring durability.
Cons:
- Compatible exclusively with iOS devices, limiting its versatility for users with other types of devices.
- The price might be on the higher side for casual or entry-level ASMR artists.
Price:
The Shure MV88 typically retails around $149, which is a premium investment for sure. However, for those serious about their ASMR content and looking for professional-grade sound reproduction, the MV88 justifies its cost through performance and quality.
Personal Opinion:
As a technical specialist, I find the Shure MV88 to be a top-notch choice for ASMR aficionados using an iPhone. The attention to detail in its audio capture is evident, making it a powerful tool in a compact package. While there are cheaper options out there, the MV88’s blend of portability, sound quality, and the added functionality through the MOTIV app sets it apart. It might be an investment, but for an ASMR artist looking to differentiate their content with superior audio fidelity, the MV88 is a worthy contender.
Zoom iQ7 Mid-Side Stereo Microphone
Overview:
The first thing that strikes me about the Zoom iQ7 is its unique design tailored for versatility in recording ASMR audio. It’s a mid-side microphone, which means it’s capable of capturing sounds in a very natural and life-like stereo width. This is essential for ASMR recordings where the listener might want to experience the subtle shifts from left to right ear. I find that the rotating head is particularly handy, allowing you to adjust the mic position based on your setup. It’s not the smallest of mics, which means it’s less likely to go unnoticed when attached to your phone, but that’s a small price to pay for the audio quality you get. The iOS Zoom Handy Recorder app enhances the experience, giving you control over the recording settings to tweak your ASMR sounds to perfection.
Specs:
- Mid-side stereo recording
- adjustable stereo width,
- Lightning connector
- dedicated headphone jack.
Pros & Cons:
Pro – Offers excellent control over stereo imaging;
Con – The size might be a drawback for some users.
Price: Approximately $99.99
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone
Overview:
The Rode SmartLav+ is a notably compact lavalier microphone designed to elevate the audio for content creators on-the-go. Plugging directly into your iPhone’s input, this microphone offers a significant upgrade from the built-in microphone for a variety of uses, including ASMR recordings. ASMR artists will appreciate the SmartLav+’s discreet profile and its ability to capture the nuanced whispers and gentle sounds that are signature to the ASMR experience. Its omnidirectional condenser capsule captures sound equally from all directions, ensuring a natural, lifelike recording of your chosen triggers.
In my opinion, what sets the SmartLav+ apart is its inconspicuous design that allows for hands-free operation. This can be a great advantage when creating ASMR videos, as it permits a more immersive experience for both the creator and the listener. The audio quality is impressive for its size and price range; it produces clean, clear audio that can capture the subtle nuances of ASMR triggers effectively.
Specs:
- Acoustic Principle: Permanently Polarised Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
- Frequency Range: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Output Connection: TRRS jack
- Cable Length: 1.2m / 47″
- Compatibility: iOS devices and select Android devices
Pros:
- The small size makes it discreet and portable – ideal for ASMR artists on the move.
- The plug-and-play design makes for incredibly user-friendly operation; no tech expertise required.
- The included foam pop shield significantly reduces unwanted plosive sounds.
- The omnidirectional pickup pattern captures sounds from all around the microphone, creating a more enveloping ASMR experience.
Cons:
- Some may find the cable length limiting, depending on their recording setup.
- Being a lavalier mic, it may not pick up the same range of binaural effects you’d get from more specialized ASMR microphones.
- It requires careful placement to prevent clothing rustle, which can be detrimental to ASMR recordings.
Price:
The Rode SmartLav+ is relatively affordable, making it an excellent value for entry-level ASMR artists or those who need a compact, quality microphone on a budget. The price usually hovers around $60-$80, which is modest, given its performance and reputation amongst audio enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone is a fantastic option for ASMR artists who are looking for portability, ease of use, and good sound quality without breaking the bank. It’s especially suitable for voice-driven ASMR content like whispering and soft-spoken words, and its simple setup with iPhone compatibility makes it a practical choice for creators of all skill levels.
Blue Yeti Nano Premium USB Microphone for iPhone
Overview:
The Blue Yeti Nano is a more compact variant of the renowned Yeti microphone, which is prized for its exceptional sound quality and versatility. Designed for podcasters, gamers, and ASMR artists who value portability without compromising on audio clarity, this mic is a great option for iPhone users, especially when paired with a camera connection kit or appropriate adapter (as it’s a USB mic.) The Yeti Nano particularly shines due to its plug-and-play simplicity, making it a viable option for those who prefer straightforward setup processes.
Specs:
- Capsules: Two custom-designed condenser capsules
- Polar Patterns: Cardioid and Omnidirectional
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Sample Rate: 24-bit/48kHz
- Output: USB
Pros:
- The Yeti Nano offers impeccable audio quality, capturing the subtle nuances necessary for ASMR content.
- Its small footprint makes it a convenient addition to any mobile recording setup, ensuring it’s not a hassle to carry around.
- The ability to switch between cardioid and omnidirectional pick-up patterns allows for flexibility, catering to different recording environments and needs.
- It’s more affordable than its larger cousin, the original Blue Yeti, making it accessible to fledgling content creators.
Cons:
- The USB connectivity may require additional accessories for full compatibility with an iPhone, which is an extra cost and a minor inconvenience.
- For ASMR, the lack of binaural recording could be seen as a limitation for those who wish to create that intense 3D audio experience.
Price:
The Blue Yeti Nano Premium USB Microphone is generally priced around $99.99, which is a solid middle ground for the quality it offers. This fee does not take into account any additional accessories you might need to ensure connectivity with an iPhone, though.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, the Yeti Nano is an excellent choice for iPhone users looking to create high-quality ASMR content without the need for a full studio setup. The sound quality is outstanding, and the microphone itself is user-friendly, making it a fantastic tool for content creators at various levels of expertise. Despite the need for an extra adapter, its pros heavily outweigh the cons, especially when considering the price point. For those who are serious about their craft and want a reliable, professional-sounding microphone, the Yeti Nano is a sound investment.
Sennheiser Memory Mic
Overview:
The Sennheiser Memory Mic is a completely different breed of microphone within the ASMR community, especially for iPhone users. What stands out about this wirelessly designed microphone is its no-fuss approach to recording high-quality audio. Initially created for capturing superior sound with a smartphone for video, it’s also a great contender for ASMR artists or hobbyists looking to create tingling soundscapes with ease.
The Memory Mic links to your iPhone via Bluetooth, and it’s managed through a dedicated app which starts and stops recording based on your video. The ingeniously specific aspect for ASMR is the ability to place the mic close to the sound source while keeping the filming device at a distance, maintaining visual aesthetics without compromising audio quality.
Specs:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Frequency Response: 100Hz to 20kHz
- Recording Pattern: Omnidirectional
- Battery Life: Up to 4 hours
- Storage: Internal storage for up to 4 hours of audio
Pros:
- The wireless design allows for minimalist setups and reduces cable clutter, which is a boon for sensitive ASMR recording environments.
- Its omnidirectional pickup pattern is excellent for capturing the nuanced sounds from various angles, important for ASMR authenticity.
- There’s no need to worry about syncing audio to video later; the Memory Mic’s app does it for you, which is marvelously convenient.
- The ability to clip the mic on or place it discreetly near the sound source provides exceptional flexibility for creative ASMR scenarios.
Cons:
- Audio purists may find limitations with the frequency response when compared to professional-grade microphones, which could slightly restrict the capture of the entire ASMR sound range.
- The Bluetooth connectivity, while convenient, may not offer the same raw sound fidelity as a wired connection, which some ASMR artists might prefer for the highest quality.
- The price point might be a bit steep for those just stepping into ASMR production.
Price:
Though the price of the Sennheiser Memory Mic can vary depending on the retailer, expect to invest in the range of mid to high compared to other ASMR-focused microphones compatible with the iPhone.
Personal Opinions:
I’m fascinated by the Memory Mic’s non-obtrusive design and how Sennheiser has managed to solve the sync issue often faced by content creators. For those in the ASMR community, this microphone offers the chance to focus on creating content rather than worrying about technical setups. This is a big plus in my opinion. The sound quality, while perhaps not reaching the peaks of studio microphones, is crisp, clear, and more than adequate for most ASMR work. The lack of cables is liberating, and I can only imagine the relief of artists who often have to deal with them in a session, potentially disturbing the recording. My standout favorite feature has to be the portability; you can take this mic anywhere and transform any space into an ASMR studio with your iPhone. Although the price tag might make some hesitate, I believe for the serious ASMR artist or vlogger, the Sennheiser Memory Mic could be a valuable tool in their audio arsenal, providing simplicity, quality, and flexibility all in one compact device.
Conclusion:
In summary, finding the best ASMR microphone for your iPhone enhances the quality of audio recordings, tapping into the serene world of sensory content. Whether you opt for the exceptional clarity of a binaural mic, the convenience of a plug-and-play option, or the versatility of a multi-pattern microphone, the perfect ASMR experience hinges on the harmony between your creativity and the right tech. Each product has unique strengths tailored to different user needs, ensuring that whether you’re a seasoned content creator or new to the scene, there’s a microphone out there to suit your artistic expression and listener satisfaction.
FAQs:
Q: Can any microphone be used for ASMR with an iPhone?
A: While many microphones are compatible with the iPhone, not all are ideal for ASMR. You should look for mics with high sensitivity and low self-noise to capture the subtle sounds characteristic of ASMR.
Q: Do I need any special adapters to connect the microphone to my iPhone?
A: It depends on the microphone. Some microphones come with a Lightning connector or a 3.5mm plug suitable for iPhones, while others may require an external interface or Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter.
Q: Is it necessary to purchase an expensive microphone for high-quality ASMR?
A: Not necessarily. The key is to find a microphone that can capture the detailed sounds of ASMR clearly. While more expensive mics often deliver higher fidelity, there are budget-friendly options that can also produce great results for ASMR recording.
